What is the Peer Mentor Learning Community?
The Peer Mentor Learning Community (PMLC) program is a collaboration between Accessibility Services and the Robert Gillespie Academic Skills Centre (RGASC). The PMLC Program is a free, non-credit program that aims to help Accessibility students build academic skills and a sense of community. There are four types of events in the PMLC program: Interactive Workshops, Social Events, Study Groups, and One-on-One Mentoring. PMLC events are facilitated by Peer Mentors: upper-year student volunteers who are highly trained in facilitation and accessibility.
Delivery Mode
PMLC events will be delivered in-person (at the UTM campus) and online (via Zoom) during the 2022-2023 academic year.
The PMLC program has an extensive catalogue of asynchronous videos and reading materials on a wide variety of topics, including AIMS, time management, note-taking, test preparation, resiliency, stress management, assistive technology, and more. All of these materials are uploaded to the UTM Accessibility Services Academic Skills Module. Students registered in the PMLC program are automatically enrolled in this module.
Eligibility
Although the PMLC Program aims to support undergraduate students at UTM who self-identify as having a disability, all students are welcome to attend any PMLC group event. Only one-on-one mentoring is restricted to UTM Accessibility students.
PMLC Upcoming Events
Please click here for the Winter 2023 event schedule.
PMLC Interactive Workshops: What to Expect
PMLC Interactive Workshops aim to help students build academic skills that are necessary for success in university. Examples of topics that have previously been covered include: note-taking, effective reading, test-taking, essay-writing, creating a study plan, time management, and productivity.
In PMLC Interactive Workshops, Peer Mentors use facilitative techniques to support students. Peer Mentors do not directly teach students, but instead use facilitate activities that allow students to actively discuss and practice using academic techniques, strategies, and skills. Using facilitation techniques instead of teaching helps students become active, self-directed, and lifelong learners.
PMLC Interactive Workshops are highly collaborative and hands-on. Students are strongly encouraged (but not required) to actively participate in the discussion and session activities.
PMLC Social Events: What to Expect
PMLC Social Events aim to help students build a sense of community. Get to know your peers and connect with friends! Past events included playing board games, guided meditation, baking tutorials, painting, drawing, and more!
PMLC Study Support Group: What to Expect
The PMLC Study Support Group (on-campus & online) is a place for students to plan and achieve their study goals in the company of their peers. The quiet study space allows students to work independently, review their lectures, complete their readings, and study for their tests. Students are also welcome to speak with our Peer Mentors during the session to ask questions about campus resources, academic skills, and tips on how to reach their study goals.
PMLC One-on-One Mentoring
Students registered with Accessibility Services (UTM) are invited to register for One-on-One Mentoring. Students can meet with a Peer Mentor for confidential one-on-one sessions to learn how to navigate university life and meet their personal and academic goals.
Registration:
To register for one-on-one mentoring, email accessvolunteers.utm@utoronto.ca and a member of the Accessibility Services team will follow up with you upon registration.
Inquiries
Please contact us if you have any questions or require additional information.
Phone: 905-828-5422
Email: accessvolunteers.utm@utoronto.ca
Room: 2037 Davis Building